I went on a new (to me) set of trails this week with Barb and her visiting friend, Kathy (above). We took off from El Camino del Cerro Trailhead in the Tucson Mountains west of the city and didn't see a single other hiker in almost six miles. And it was gorgeous!
We had a sweeping view across the city to the distant Santa Catalina Mountains. The desert was lush, almost like a garden. There were so many saguaros, prickly pears, barrel cactuses and desert trees and shrubs that it looked like a botanical garden!
We spotted a rare crested saguaro, which grows a twisted crest on its tip. Each saguaros has its own personality.
While saguaros get most of the attention here because of their massive size, the prickly pear cactuses also make a strong showing because they are so prolific. Desert animals love to munch of the fleshy pads.
It was a longer than anticipated hike, so afterward we decided to head directly to Teresa's Mosaic Cafe for cold drinks and Mexican food. We each got chicken enchiladas and then split an order of creamy, sweet flan. A delicious end to a delightful outing!
Have a colorful day
Love that you are expanding your horizons, and that you have hiking pals to do it with!
ReplyDeleteI always love your desert photos. Here in Massachusetts we are hunkering down for a potentially epic Nor’easter with 24+” of snow. Want to trade places? :-)
ReplyDeleteLovey pictures and glad you are finding new trails. Love the flan. I bet it was yummy!
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